Ohio AI Leadership Summit - Sept. 10

The Ohio AI Leadership Summit takes place on Wednesday, September 10, 2026, at NEOMED in Rootstown, Ohio. This is a statewide event designed to bring together legislators, statewide leaders, funders, behavioral health providers, recovery organizations, workforce leaders, and community partners for a real, grounded conversation about how artificial intelligence is already reshaping the fields we work in.

The speakers and advisory voices gathered for this event represent national and statewide thought leadership. This is not a surface-level introduction to AI. It is a focused, practical day built for people who are responsible for organizations, services, and the communities they serve.

Registration is now open. Early bird pricing is available through August 1 with code EARLYBIRD100. Click here to register!

Governor DeWine Signs Capital Budget Bill

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 450 on June 15, 2026, the capital budget bill for fiscal years 2027 and 2028.

“The investments we are announcing today build upon the work we have done to strengthen communities, support our workforce, and grow the economy over the last seven years,” said Governor DeWine. “The projects outlined in this budget will improve our parks, county fairgrounds, and historical sites; upgrade schools and classrooms to support the future workforce; promote safe and independent living for Ohioans with disabilities; continue building the mental healthcare system; and more. This capital budget impacts all Ohioans today and for the future.”

“This capital budget is about investing in the things that make strong communities possible,” said Lt. Governor Jim Tressel. “It reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for Ohio families in every aspect. From schools to workforce development, to local infrastructure and community spaces. These investments will serve Ohioans for years to come.” 

The capital budget includes a total of $3.7 billion in appropriations.

Capital budget highlights include investments to:

• Upgrade Ohio’s higher education classrooms, laboratories, and buildings to improve campus safety and efficiency and support the state’s future workforce.
• Support construction and renovation projects to strengthen Ohio’s behavioral health hospitals and for the development of a youth specialty care facility.
• Modernize and improve Ohio’s 76 state parks, which are nationally recognized as the best state park system in the country.
• Promote safer and more functional residential options for Ohioans with developmental disabilities.
• Renovate correctional institutions across the state to ensure inmate and staff safety.
• Support construction and renovation projects at more than 50 Ohio historical sites and museums, including the completion of the new Poindexter Village Museum and the reimagined Ohio River Museum.
• Enhance Ohio Fire Academy training facilities to provide a safer, more advanced, scenario-based training environment.
• Improve local community and regional areas, including parks, trails, historical sites, and county fairgrounds to support recreation and tourism across the state.

NEW CMS RULE: What Work Requirements Mean for Behavioral Health

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued new guidance on Medicaid work requirements under H.R.1, with significant implications for both patients and providers pertaining to coverage continuity and eligibility verification. These changes introduce new compliance considerations that could impact access to care, particularly for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has developed a clear breakdown of what this rule means in practice, along with practical guidance to help organizations prepare:

• Read the detailed policy summary.
• View our practical FAQ for providers and stakeholders.

Final Weeks to Register! 2026 Peer Recovery Summit

Time is running out to register for the 2026 Peer Recovery Summit Connection Creates Recovery: Healing Happens Together! This year the conference will be held July 8-9, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Columbus, Ohio

Join the hundreds of peers, recovery leaders, advocates, and organizations from across the state who have registered for an unforgettable experience centered on connection, growth, and recovery

OhioPRO is proud to partner with the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health to provide a dedicated space for advancing peer support across the state—through meaningful networking and education on the topics that matter most to our community.

Register Now!